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The Advanced Technology Extended motherboard specification, also known as the ATX form factor, was created in 1997 to standardize board size and component location. Knowing the form factor of your motherboard is important because other models, such as LPX, NTX or BTX boards, may require different sized computer cases. Although ATX motherboards share the same basic components and features with other form factors, there are a few ways to tell them apart.

1. Turn off and unplug the computer. Hold the "Power" button for 30 seconds to allow any retained charge to dissipate.

2. Remove the computer's cover. Depending on the model, you may have to remove screws on the back of the machine, or you may simply be able to slide the cover up or back to access the internal components.

4. Locate the heat sink, a large square structure that covers and cools the processor chip. On ATX models, these components are on the back of the board, near the input/output ports.

5. Look at the RAM slots. These contain the thin, rectangular memory modules. On ATX motherboards, these are located in a group of three near the processor. They lay vertically in relation to the processor.

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Charlotte Mission is an avid reader and writer. She has written professionally for over 5 years and for pleasure for many more. Her work has appeared on eHow.com and AssociatedContent.com. She is currently pursuing a degree in History.